Imaging Review of Peripheral Nerve Injuries in Patients with COVID-19

Radiology. 2021 Mar;298(3):E117-E130. doi: 10.1148/radiol.2020203116. Epub 2020 Dec 1.

Abstract

With surging numbers of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the world, neuromuscular complications and rehabilitation concerns are becoming more apparent. Peripheral nerve injury can occur in patients with COVID-19 secondary to postinfectious inflammatory neuropathy, prone positioning-related stretch and/or compression injury, systemic neuropathy, or nerve entrapment from hematoma. Imaging of peripheral nerves in patients with COVID-19 may help to characterize nerve abnormality, to identify site and severity of nerve damage, and to potentially elucidate mechanisms of injury, thereby aiding the medical diagnosis and decision-making process. This review article aims to provide a first comprehensive summary of the current knowledge of COVID-19 and peripheral nerve imaging.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Humans
  • Patient Positioning / methods
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / complications*
  • Peripheral Nerve Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Peripheral Nerves / diagnostic imaging
  • SARS-CoV-2